🏀 KuBuckets Archive

Let's discuss.

Last night in 38 minutes he stepped up big time. He wasn't perfect (some missed layups and FT's) but he completely controlled the game for KU.

"He didn't turn it over," Self continued of Garrett. "And ... he controlled the game."

"I think Marcus hated it and at the same time loved it," Self said. "Because, to win, we definitely need Dot. But it was a time that [Garrett] could show he could be our point guard. And there's no doubt who the point guard will be next year."

That last part- A- Dotson is most likely not returning after the season and B- Self's confidence in Marcus to run the team has become well known, not only in the short term but next season when Dotson is expected to move on professionally.

Despite playing Oklahoma (Kenpom #63 defense) he looked smooth and in control running the point. He's on two hobbled ankles and just showing the toughness we love to see from a floor general.

Garrett at least from how I see has ascended to the level of trust Frank & Devonte had placed on them before him. It's a demanding and challenging honor but Marcus seems up to the task. When most kids are auditioning for the NBA, Marcus seemed to be auditioning to run this team next season and I think that was cemented last night

@BeddieKU23 nice post! Marcus is shooting better too, do the stats prove that?

@Crimsonorblue22

His PER (player efficiency rating) is higher this year then his previous two seasons which includes his improvement as a shooter. On the Season he's 66.7% at the FT line, 35.5% from 3 & 46% FG's which are career best numbers on higher volume. He's averaging almost 2 more assists a game then last season and has a 2.6 assist to turnover ratio. For comparison Dotson's is 1.73 Assist/To ratio.

If he continues to develop that shot I think he can get drafted next season. Good size to run point, defensive pest, takes care of the ball, smart player. We'll see what happens. Happy he's a hawk

I know that in the past I, as well as some others here, have been not the biggest proponents of Garrett getting extended minutes due to his liability as a credible offensive threat to the point where other teams were just not guarding him at all sometimes. Always a great defender, athletic and a hardworker, so glad to see other facets of his game come around. Count me officially on the bandwagon now! (but I would like to see that FT percentage go up a bit though if he's going to be our PG next year.)

Point guard is his best position. It also takes some of the sting off of his weak jumper. Doubly true if we can surround him with shooters next year. I hope next year that Garrett for Harris is a one for one sub. Commit to 4 out. Start Garrett, Thompson, Agbaji, Tyon and Dave. Lots of good bench options.

BShark said:

Point guard is his best position. It also takes some of the sting off of his weak jumper.

Yep! If he can just develop into a reliable open shooter when ball rotation comes back to him that will be good enough next year.

@BShark Mitch a sub?

It's hard not to think Marcus will be our PG next year unless Self recruits a 5-star PG who is ready to step in. Even then... PG just isn't an easy job to master over one season.

I'm not convinced Devon is gone. From what I'm seeing so far, he isn't ready for the NBA. But he could for sure go play abroad and become a millionaire on signing day.

I think the smart reason for him to go after this year is that there isn't enough upside for him to stay. Meaning... he won't improve enough to stay another year. He also risks injury.

If he doesn't mind playing abroad, I think he should for sure leave after this season. Make money while he is healthy!

Things have to go just right for Devon to make it in the NBA.

@Crimsonorblue22 back up center

@drgnslayr

Bryce Thompson is a 5 star PG but likely will play the Garrett role this yr supplementing Marcus at the point and getting to focus on how prolific a shot maker he is.

drgnslayr said:

It's hard not to think Marcus will be our PG next year unless Self recruits a 5-star PG who is ready to step in. Even then... PG just isn't an easy job to master over one season.

I'm not convinced Devon is gone. From what I'm seeing so far, he isn't ready for the NBA. But he could for sure go play abroad and become a millionaire on signing day.

I think the smart reason for him to go after this year is that there isn't enough upside for him to stay. Meaning... he won't improve enough to stay another year. He also risks injury.

If he doesn't mind playing abroad, I think he should for sure leave after this season. Make money while he is healthy!

Things have to go just right for Devon to make it in the NBA.

Devon Dotson won't get a million dollar signing bonus if he goes overseas, especially straight out of college. You are severely overestimating how much American players get going overseas. Spain is highest paying league outside the NBA and the average player's salary is a little over $100k per year in that league.

Even staying the extra year at KU and ending up on a two-way contract in the G-League, Dotson would make significantly more than he would starting off in Europe. Dotson's current biggest issue with his NBA stock is his shooting. Showing in game improvement in his shooting as a junior would likely bump Dotson into the late first round (guaranteed deal) or early second round (very likely to get a guaranteed deal) so Dotson definitely has enough to gain by coming back next season to make it worth it for him.

@Texas-Hawk-10

Players overseas make money beyond salaries, in other forms. The salaries have to stay low because of taxation, often double taxation.

Devon has more issues than shooting, but you are right, his shooting has to come along.

Devon needs to shine at leading a team. He needs to be a better passer and he needs to make his teammates look a lot better by helping set them up. Basketball IQ is a must, and Devon is way too inexperienced right now to get out there and lead any NBA team.

Garrett's 3 from the corner last night was the biggest shot of the game too. Doolittle hit a 3 to get it down to 4 and then Garrett's shot started a 15-2 or so run that put it away.